§ 29. Mr. E. SIMONasked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the fact that the Government contribution towards the 571 expenditure of local education authorities on maintenance allowances is 50 per cent. in the case of secondary school pupils and only 20 per cent. in the case of elementary school pupils, he is prepared to increase the grant to 50 per cent. in the case of elementary school pupils with the object of retaining a larger proportion of them at school between the ages of 14 and 15 years?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe point raised by the hon. Member is under my consideration, though I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject.
§ Mr. SIMONCan the right hon. Gentleman say upon what basis the very great difference between the contributions for children in elementary schools and those for children in secondary schools is arrived at?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe system of grants was established a few years ago, and I think it is doing well.